By AGISANANG SCUFF
8 October 2025- A man (22) was sentenced to five years imprisonment for assault. The accused, Arnold Jonkers was arrested and sentenced for assaulting a minor child in Williston.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said Williston Magistrate’s Court heard that on 19 March 2023, the victim (3), was walking home with her parents when they encountered two known individuals fighting near their residence. Pilane said the victim’s father intervened to stop the altercation.
“After the fight had been broken up, the accused allegedly began throwing stones and bricks toward the family, striking the child on the head with a brick and seriously injuring her. She was rushed to a local medical facility for treatment.
“The incident was subsequently reported to the police, and the suspect was arrested and charged with assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Detective Constable Anthony Willemse of the Calvinia Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, led the investigation,” she said.
Pilane further said Willemse successfully opposed bail for the accused, who made several court appearances before being convicted and sentenced. She added that the court further declared Jonkers unfit to possess a firearm.
Meanwhile, the acting Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Colonel Diketso Lekgwathi, welcomed the sentence. Lekgwathi commended Willemse for his thorough investigation and dedication to ensuring that violent crimes against children are effectively prosecuted and perpetrators held accountable.
The Guardian 